A delay in state funding initially earmarked for a regional paramedic study has prompted town officials to retool and expand their next proposal.

Members of the Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments last month were informed that a $50,000 state grant aimed at funding a study of the region’s advanced emergency medical response capabilities was slated to be returned.

“We were under the assumption that we would be able to extend that grant, but that wasn’t the case,” said John Filchak, the council’s executive director. “So, the funds were returned.”

For the last year, council members have discussed hiring a company to oversee the study, which would examine how and where paramedics are staffed throughout the region, the number of missed calls and other issues. The council was preparing to hire a firm when the funds expired.

“The next step is to reapply in December,” Filchak said. “But this time, we were asked to expand the scope of the study and look at the connections between advanced and basic life support services.”

The new application for a $125,000 grant will reflect recent changes in the region, including population growth and the addition of three new towns — Scotland, Chaplin and Hampton — to the council and likely will include the possible contributions of Windham Hospital. The region currently has one full-time staffed paramedic on call to respond to emergencies, with supplemental aid available though local fire and ambulance departments.

“We’ll be looking at how those local providers fit in, as well as our three local hospitals,” Filchak said. “The idea is to see if we need to redesign our system, to build a better mouse trap. And while money is always a consideration, in this case, we’re talking about lives in the balance.”

Dayville Fire Company Chief Michael Hewko said the number of calls in his area requiring paramedics can be “hit-or-miss” depending on the day.

“There’s times we could use more medics, and then there’s days when it’s nice and quiet,” he said. “I have three elderly housing complexes in my district alone, and most of them need a medic if we get a call. We do seem to be seeing a general increase in those types of calls, probably because people are getting older.”